Ma is right: DPP should be braver toward China
Staff Reporter
2012-08-31
13:48 (GMT+8)
Su Tseng-chang at a religious event in Taipei, Aug. 26. Ma has urged the DPP to show greater faith. (Photo/Huang Shih-chi)
When Taiwan's president, Ma Ying-jeou, recently suggested that the opposition Democratic Progressive Party are timid in their China policy, DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang responded by saying the party would only march to the beat of its own drum.
In a report investigating her unsuccessful bid for the presidency earlier this year, the DPP's former leader Tsai Ing-wen urged DPP members to visit China more often to improve Beijing's understanding of the party. The two sides have traditionally been antagonistic toward each other.
However, her calls have failed to translate completely into party policy. The party is more eager to win municipal elections in 2014 than to revamp its China policy and keep abreast with the changing ties between Taiwan and China, even though the party itself acknowledges that a lack of confidence in its China policy among voters was perhaps the largest factor in its defeat in the presidential election in January.
By comparison, Chinese scholars seem to be more aggressive in wooing the people of Taiwan.
Chinese scholar Yan Jun wrote in an article published in the August issue of the Hong Kong-based China Review that in addition to favorable treatment under the cross-strait ECFA trade pact, China should give Taiwan more space to participate in the international activities of non-governmental organizations.
Yan suggested both sides set aside their political differences, follow precedent and consult each other before attending international activities. He said Taiwanese people are concerned not only about the island's economic interests but also its international reputation.
Yan's statements are an example of a Chinese academic understanding Taiwanese public opinion, which could help Beijing formulate a more pragmatic policy toward Taiwan if his ideas can gain traction.
On the contrary, the DPP seems to be interested only in demonstrating to its grassroots that it is capable of dealing with China and will not risk alienating them by moving away from its foundational position in favor of Taiwanese independence.
With the increase in cross-strait economic exchanges, China will be the main issue in every Taiwanese election in the future, as it has to a greater or lesser extent in the past. The DPP will find it difficult to convince local voters that it is the best defender of their interests if it refuses to find compromises in dealing with Beijing.
The DPP continues to ignore legal discrimination against Chinese people who marry Taiwanese citizens and opposes any realistic revisions to laws that governs how people from mainland China are treated in Taiwan.
Su should take heed of Ma's suggestion that DPP adopt a more courageous attitude toward Beijing. It might be pleasantly surprised.
